Leadership at Sea - Leadership on-board according to experienced professionals and future maritime engineers

Abstract

Seafarers’ working environment is a unique setting where the space is minimal, the crew is secluded from society, and they spend long periods of time away from loved ones. Therefore, leadership at sea is critical since it significantly impacts the effectiveness, safety, and the work environment on board. This study aims to determine what view experienced professionals and future maritime engineers have on leadership at sea. If these views differ, what are the differences? Do both groups consider that they acquired the right tools and knowledge to shoulder a leading position during their education? Through qualitative, semi-structured interviews with participants from both groups, it has been shown that both experienced professionals and future maritime engineers have similar views on what leadership at sea should be. A good leader should according to both groups be very similar to what a transformational leader is. He or she should be humble, motivate and help develop its followers. All of the respondents felt that the educational system can do more in preparing them for a leading position after their studies. The results shown in this study point to the importance of good leadership at sea, not only in terms of safety and work environment issues but also for the future interest in maritime engineering educations.